Delaware Accident Lawyers Discuss Laws that Regulate Trucking Accidents

A question that our Delaware accident lawyers often receive is, “Are there laws that regulate big rig and trucking accidents?” The answer is yes, the trucking industry is regulated by federal laws. The purpose of the trucking laws are to identify and create specific standards by which American trucking companies, proprietors of trucking companies and the truck drivers themselves are accountable.Federal trucking laws also establish who can be held legally liable in the event of a trucking accident.

Federal trucking laws are governed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) along with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA.) The majority of federal legislation that addresses the trucking industry is located in the Code of Federal Regulations. Specifically, Title 49 of the Code lists the rules that govern trucking. Moreover, each individual state has their own state-regulated department of transportation that provides specific procedures and regulations for trucking.

Federal trucking laws can help establish legal liability in the event of a trucking accident. Per the current federal trucking laws, a company that owns a trucking permit is typically a party responsible for damages from trucking accidents involving a vehicle with its name on the big-rig or on its displayed placard. This holds true regardless if the truck driver is classified as an independent contractor or is an employee of the company.

For more information ontrucking accidents in Delaware or Pennsylvania, contact the Delaware truck accident lawyers at Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP. We are experienced in representing victims of trucking accidents throughout Delaware and Pennsylvania. Call us toll free at (800) 300-0909 or locally at (302) 295-5050. You may also